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Georgia Tech Honors Einstein with Pi Day 5K and Sculpture

Celebration of Einstein's birthday and Pi Day at Georgia Tech

News Summary

On March 14, Georgia Tech celebrated Pi Day and Albert Einstein’s birthday with a 5K run and the unveiling of the ‘Space-Time Man’ sculpture. This event highlighted the intersection of mathematics and science, commemorating Einstein’s legacy on campus. Weighing 3,000 pounds, the sculpture pays tribute to the iconic physicist, marking a significant cultural milestone for Georgia Tech and Atlanta.

Georgia Tech Celebrates Pi Day and Albert Einstein’s Birthday with Unique Sculpture Tribute

Atlanta, the vibrant capital of Georgia, witnessed a unique blend of mathematics and science appreciation on March 14 as Georgia Tech students laced up their running shoes for a 5K run in recognition of Pi Day, symbolically celebrated as 3.14. This date is also significant as it marks the birthday of the iconic physicist Albert Einstein, who was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany.

A Historic Coincidence

While Einstein himself never set foot in the state of Georgia, his legacy remains alive and celebrated on the midtown campus of Georgia Tech. This campus, home to the spirited Yellow Jacket mascot “Buzz,” serves as a fitting location for tributes to a man who reshaped our understanding of the universe.

Introducing the Space-Time Man

One of the standout features of this celebration is the prominent Space-Time Man sculpture, crafted by renowned sculptor Robert Berks. This impressive piece of art is the third and final creation by Berks, aimed at paying homage to Einstein. The sculpture depicts a seemingly bored patent clerk from 1902, reflecting Einstein’s early years in Bern, Switzerland.

A Collaborative Effort

Thanks to the efforts of Atlanta businessman Jim Barksdale, along with various civic leaders, the vision for placing this iconic sculpture at Georgia Tech came to fruition. They convinced Dorothy Berks, the widow of Robert Berks, to allow the sculpture to make its new home on campus.

Impressive Specifications

Weighing in at a hefty 3,000 pounds, the sculpture was transported to Atlanta via plane from Berks’ studio in Orient, New York, precisely 113 years after Einstein’s birth. The dedication ceremony took place in 2015, marking a significant moment in the appreciation of the physicist’s contributions to science.

A Lasting Legacy

During the ceremony, a passage written by Berks himself was recited, adding a personal touch to the event. Interestingly, Georgia Tech’s statue is one of only three bronze sculptures of Einstein dedicated to his legacy, with the remaining two located in Washington, D.C. at the National Academy of Sciences and in Israel at its Academy of Sciences and Humanities.

A Call to Celebration

As the day unfolded, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. However, amid the celebrations, reflections on social media showed a surprising absence of posts commemorating Einstein’s birthday. Therefore, it is only fitting to wish a glorious happy birthday to Einstein and a heartfelt Pi Day to everyone who celebrates.